Argentina's Supreme Court: President Fernandez must reveal who is getting the people's money

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Argentina's Supreme Court is demanding accountability from one of the pillars of the government of President Cristina Fernandez — the social welfare programs that have helped millions of the country's most vulnerable people.

The court ruled Wednesday that the government must publicly identify each welfare recipient and how much money each person receives from the state. The government also must reveal the identity of every public official, union or social organization involved in delivering that money.

The Social Welfare Ministry has refused for years to reveal who gets the billions of dollars spent on social welfare, saying it would expose people's vulnerability.

The justices said that showing who gets what won't change their vulnerability, but that it will hold the government accountable for preventing corruption and political patronage.